Depending on what operating system your computer is running, and what camera you are using, some of the directions mentioned here might be located in slightly different places on your set-up, but the concept is the same for all video transfers.

All cameras come with a USB or a FireWire cable to transfer footage from the camera to the computer. The first step is to connect the two. We suggest using a FireWire cable if possible because it transfers data at a higher rate than a USB cable.

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Locate the port on the camera. Please note that if using a camera that records to tape (high8, or mini-dv) rewind the tape all the way. Bear in mind that you should only record on a tape once. Use the FireWire cable to connect the camera to the computer and start the video editing program.

Common PC video editing programs are Pinnacle Studio, Adobe Premier, and Roxio. Editing can also be done in Windows Movie Maker or any other third party program installed on your computer. Mac video editing programs are Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and CinemaTools. Final Cut Pro is a professional grade program (iMovie and Cinema Tools should come pre-installed on a Mac).

The editing programs listed above vary slightly in the menu formats so if you are unable to find a video editing program, scroll through drop-down menus because chances are a program will be found. If unable to locate a video editing program, seek technical support or buy a program online or at a computer store.

Once the camera is connected and the program is opened, go to "File," and scroll down until "Log and Capture" is seen. This might be presented as just "Capture" or "Transfer," depending on the program in use.

Once this function is enabled and running, it should recognize the camera automatically. If the program fails to recognize the camera it should provide instructions on what to do next.

Make a note of where the footage is stored.

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The final step is to click "Capture" (or "Transfer") and wait until the process is complete.

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